Roy Harper: How Does It Feel? (1970)

From England's "Biggest and Bawdiest Raver/ Poet- Singer" from the 1970 album Flat Baroque, and Berserk.

Roy Harper is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist, renowned for his distinctive blend of folk, rock, and progressive music. Born on June 12, 1941, in Rusholme, Manchester, England, Harper's career has spanned over five decades, during which he has released 22 studio albums and 10 live recordings. His intricate guitar work and poetic lyrics have influenced a wide array of artists, including Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull.

Harper's mother, Muriel, passed away three weeks after his birth, leading to his upbringing by his father and stepmother in St Annes-on-Sea. His stepmother's strict religious beliefs fostered in him a lifelong disdain for organized religion, a theme that would permeate his music. At 15, Harper left home to join the Royal Air Force, but feigned mental illness to obtain a discharge, an experience he later recounted in his song "Committed." He spent the early 1960s busking across Europe and North Africa before settling in London, where he became a fixture in the Soho folk music scene, particularly at the Les Cousins club.

In 1966, Harper released his debut album, Sophisticated Beggar, showcasing his unique approach to songwriting and guitar playing. His subsequent albums, such as Come Out Fighting Genghis Smith (1968) and Folkjokeopus (1969), featured extended compositions that defied the conventional three-minute pop song structure. His 1971 album, Stormcock, is often regarded as a masterpiece, comprising four lengthy tracks that blend folk, rock, and classical elements. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin contributed guitar to the album under the pseudonym "S. Flavius Mercurius."

Harper's influence on his contemporaries is notable. Led Zeppelin's "Hats Off to (Roy) Harper," from their 1970 album Led Zeppelin III, serves as a tribute to him. Additionally, Harper provided lead vocals on Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar" from their 1975 album Wish You Were Here. His collaboration with various artists extended to performances and recordings with Kate Bush, David Gilmour, and Ian Anderson.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Harper continued to produce music, including albums like Work of Heart (1982) and The Green Man (2000). In 2013, he released Man and Myth, his first studio album in 13 years, to critical acclaim. Harper's contributions to music have been recognised with several accolades, including the MOJO Hero Award in 2005 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2013.

Harper's music is characterised by its lyrical depth, complex compositions, and willingness to tackle controversial subjects. His work has inspired generations of musicians and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

By South Utsire